What is type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term medical condition in which sugar (glucose) levels in the bloodstream rise.
Type 2 diabetes Insulin
Insulin is a hormone that aids in the transport of glucose from the bloodstream to the cells, where it is used for energy.
The cells in your body with type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, are unable to respond to insulin as well as they should. Your body may not produce enough insulin in the later stages of the disease.
Type 2 diabetes that is not well controlled can result in chronically high blood glucose levels, which can cause a variety of symptoms as well as serious complications.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms
Your body can’t effectively use insulin to bring glucose into your cells if you have type 2 diabetes. As a result, your tissues, muscles, and organs must rely on alternative energy sources.
This is a series of events that can result in a variety of symptoms.
Type 2 diabetes can take a long time to develop. At first, the symptoms may appear to be minor and easy to dismiss. Early signs and symptoms may include:
Excessive thirst,
frequent urination,
and blurry vision are all symptoms of a lack of energy.
constant hunger,
tingling, or numbness in your hands or feet.
The symptoms become more severe as the disease progresses, and they can lead to some potentially dangerous complications.
Diabetic diet for people with type 2 diabetes
Diet is an important tool for maintaining good heart health and blood glucose levels in a healthy range.
The diet that is recommended for people with type 2 diabetes is the same diet that should be followed by almost everyone. It all comes down to a few key steps:
Choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods that are low in empty calories.
Make an effort to be mindful of portion sizes and to stop eating when you’re satisfied.
Read food labels carefully to determine the amount of sugar or carbohydrates in a serving size.
Limit your intake of certain foods and beverages.
If you have type 2 diabetes, or even if you’re trying to avoid diabetes and lose weight, there are some foods and beverages you should avoid if at all possible. These are some of them:
saturated or trans fat-rich foods (like red meat and full-fat dairy products)
meats that have been processed (like hotdogs and salami)
shortening and margarine
baked goods that have been refined (like white bread and cake)
Snacks with a lot of sugar and are highly processed (packaged cookies and some cereals)
sugary beverages (like regular soda and some fruit juices)
While no single food should derail your healthy lifestyle, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor about dietary restrictions based on your blood sugar levels.
Some people may need to keep a closer eye on their glucose levels.
After eating these foods, you should be more cautious than others.
Causes oof type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes has a number of causes.
Insulin is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. When you eat, your pancreas produces it and releases it.
Insulin aids in the transport of glucose from the bloodstream to the cells of the body, where it is used for energy.
Your body becomes insulin resistant if you have type 2 diabetes. The hormone is no longer being used effectively by your body.
Your pancreas will have to work harder to produce more insulin as a result of this.
This can harm cells in your pancreas over time. Your pancreas may eventually be unable to produce any insulin.
Glucose builds up in your bloodstream if you don’t produce enough insulin or if your body doesn’t use it effectively.
This depletes the energy supply to your body’s cells. Doctors aren’t sure what sets off this chain of events. It could be related to pancreatic cell dysfunction or cell signaling and regulation.
While type 2 diabetes is usually caused by lifestyle choices, you may be more likely to be diagnosed with it if you:
In your family, there’s a genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes.
In your family, there’s a genetic predisposition to obesity, which can increase the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
you have at least 45 years on this planet
You are of African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Alaska Native ancestry.
While your body’s resistance to insulin is the definitive cause of type 2 diabetes, it’s usually the result of a combination of factors.
Type 2 diabetes risk factors
While some risk factors for type 2 diabetes are beyond your control (such as your age and family history, as mentioned above), certain lifestyle choices can also increase your chances of developing the disease. Here are a few examples:
Living with an excessive amount of weight. When you’re overweight, you’re likely to have more fatty tissue, which can make your cells more insulin resistant.
Advertisement
Adopting a more sedentary way of life. Physical activity improves the response of your cells to insulin.
Consumption of a high-fat, high-processed diet. Sugar and refined carbs are often hidden in highly processed foods. If your lifestyle necessitates a more “grab-and-go” eating style, Discuss healthy substitutions with your doctor or a dietician.
If you’ve had gestational diabetes or prediabetes, both of which are caused by high glucose levels, you’re at a higher risk.
Type 2 diabetes prevention tips
Tips for preventing type 2 diabetes
While type 2 diabetes cannot always be prevented, there are a few lifestyle changes that can help delay or even prevent its onset. Even if you have increased risk factors, such as prediabetes, this is true.
Diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy carbs, healthy fats, and very little refined sugar is the best way to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Exercise. Adults should exercise for 150 minutes per week, which translates to 30 minutes per day, five days a week, according to the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for AmericansTrusted Source.
A combination of muscle strengthening and aerobic activity is also recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines.
Controlling your weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is a good way to avoid chronic complications, such as type 2 diabetes.
Some complications associated with type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes has a number of complications.
Type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed for many people. It can affect virtually all of your organs and cause serious complications if not properly managed, including: skin problems such as bacterial or fungal infections
Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, can cause numbness and tingling in your extremities, as well as digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Poor foot circulation makes it difficult for your feet to heal after a cut or infection, and it can also lead to gangrene and the loss of a foot or leg.
Deficiency in hearing Retinal damage, also known as retinopathy, and eye damage can result in blurred vision, glaucoma, and cataracts.
High blood pressure, artery narrowing, angina, heart attack, and stroke are all examples of cardiovascular diseases.
Women with diabetes are more likely than women without diabetes to have a heart attack at a younger age.
Men with diabetes are 3.5 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction, according to research (ED)
Advertisement
Hyperglycemia
When blood sugar levels are too high, hyperglycemia can occur. It’s characterized by increased thirst and frequent urination.
Hyperglycemia can be avoided by carefully monitoring your blood glucose levels and staying active.
Obstetric complications both during and after the pregnancy If you have diabetes while pregnant, you’ll need to keep a close eye on your condition.
Poorly controlled diabetes can complicate pregnancy, labor, and delivery. endangering your child’s developing organs causing your child to gain weight
It can also raise your baby’s chances of developing diabetes later in life.
Managing Type 2 diabetes
You’ll need to work closely with your doctor, but your choices will have a big impact on the outcome.
Periodic blood tests to determine your blood glucose levels may be recommended by your doctor.
This will help you figure out how well you’re handling the situation. These tests will help you determine how well your medication is working if you take it.
Your doctor may also suggest that you use a home monitoring system to check your blood glucose levels in between appointments.
They’ll tell you how often you should use it and what range you should aim for.
Because diabetes can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. If you have symptoms of heart disease, you may need additional tests. These tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or a cardiac stress test.
It may also be helpful to bring your family into the loop. Educating them about the warning signs of blood glucose levels that are too high or too low will allow them to help in an emergency.
